VP Shettima Launches 6th MSME Clinic, Announces Unconditional Grant Of N300,000

Borno State entrepreneurs participating in the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub will receive an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support and enhance their businesses.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this on Tuesday at the event’s official opening at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Senator Shettima revealed that each of the outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) participating in the exhibition would be eligible for the N300,000 grant.

“I am pleased to announce on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic,” he stated.

The Vice President further explained that the Borno State Centre is part of the ongoing national initiative to establish Expanded National MSME Clinics nationwide.

He assured us that the grants would be non-repayable, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of small businesses in the region.

Senator Shettima also highlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, which he said can create up to 48,000 jobs annually. He described it as a significant step towards enhancing the state’s MSME ecosystem, particularly in the fashion industry.

“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State,” he added.

In a remark, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, noted that his administration has adopted an inclusive approach to supporting small and medium-scale businesses, recognising it as essential to strengthening resilience amid the challenges faced by MSMEs.

Governor Zulum acknowledged that MSMEs in Borno State have faced severe hardships due to the prolonged insurgency and the broader economic challenges in the country.

“The MSME Clinic will revitalise business activities in Borno State, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people,” Governor Zulum said.

“Our government is committed to providing more opportunities for our people to expand their income sources.”

Governor Zulum also outlined several initiatives by his administration, including the disbursement of soft loans to empower entrepreneurs, the construction of modern markets, the establishment of vocational training institutions, and the renovation of skill acquisition centres damaged during the insurgency.

The Governor expressed optimism that the MSME Clinics would focus on five key areas: funding, skill development, infrastructure, market access, and technology. Additionally, the clinics will provide business registration, training, and mentorship services to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

“The expansion of this Clinic is not just a project; it is a demonstration of our belief in the creativity and resilience of the entrepreneurs in Borno State and Nigeria. When MSMEs thrive, they create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive innovation across sectors,” Governor Zulum said.

“These strategies are designed to address challenges and unlock the full potential of our entrepreneurial systems.”

Governor Zulum also urged entrepreneurs and business owners to fully utilise the resources provided by the MSME Clinic to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and explore new opportunities.

Before the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the Borno State Fashion Hub at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and WEMA Bank partnership branch.

Dignitaries who accompanied the VP included Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State Industry; and Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs.